CHICAGO, IL (November 5, 2007) – Tamara N. Holder, Esq., who has led the fight for Harold Ickes Homes residents from day one, announces that the class action lawsuit filed against the City of Chicago in October is gaining momentum with over 300 complaints received thus far. Attorney Holder notes that there are more lawsuits to follow; such as false arrest, warrantless searches, trespass cases and a possible suit against Chicago Housing Authority (CHA).

CHA appears to do nothing to defend their residents, who live in filth and fear every day. With the degradation of women being searched by male officers, who put their hands down female’s pants. Together with allegations of police taking small amounts of money from people and commenting, “Thanks for my lunch money!” As well as allegedly informing residents that they are subject to search at any time because they live in government housing.

CHA risks being sued for a number of claims, such as building code violations; examples of which can be seen with elevators that do not close properly and faulty fire alarms. It has also been documented that CHA sub-contracts much of its work to entities such as private management companies; and Chicago Police, who are paid millions of dollars per year. Chicago police have also been reported to have had the CHA contracted towing company, remove vehicles without CHA knowledge or consent, amongst other allegations.

The specific lawsuit only brings to issue that of the so-called “contact cards” being used under the guise “to monitor criminal activity.” Individuals stopped on the Chicago Housing Authority property are forced to provide officers with their vital info or risk being arrested for trespass, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice, and interference with police investigation.

Attorney Holder will be returning to Ickes Homes Monday November 5, 2007, to garner updates; she will be joined with Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

About Tamara N. Holder:
Tamara N. Holder, Esq., (http://www.xpunged.com) is one of Chicago’s rising legal analytical stars. She gained national attention for fighting for the rights of railroad workers who were fired in the name of “homeland security” which led to a Congressional hearing. She most recently filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Chicago and its Chicago Police officers for illegal searches at the Harold Ickes Homes. Her law firm specializes in criminal defense, expungement cases, malpractice and personal injury lawsuits. Ms. Holder sits on the Women of Power Alumni Association Advisory Board; and is also the founder of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Expungement Clinic.